Application must be completed in full and submitted with check for $250.00. (This includes Pages 1 & 2 by HOMEOWNER and Page 3 by CONTRACTOR) This is an ANNUAL PERMIT.NOTE: Any property that had gotten an Irrigation Permit for a Cistern in 2015 to renew for 2016 and every year after the fee is dropped to $50.00. This is Only for Cistern Renewals. If you did not get an New Turf Irrigation Permit in 2015 the one time fee would be $250.00 and then $50.00 each year after.

SHELTER ISLAND IRRIGATION LAWWHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ALL IRRIGATION SYSTEMS NEED AN ANNUAL PERMIT!All irrigation systems, new or old, need an annual permit if you want to use them. You get the permit from the building department. The permit process requires you to have up-to-date technology to make sure your irrigation system is working at peak efficiency. You will need a peak efficiency certification from a licensed irrigation contractor for your permit. You may be asked to show proof that your cistern was filled with trucked-in water.

GRANDFATHERED IRRIGATION SYSTEMSAll legal grandfathered systems have to get an annual irrigation permit from the building department. It needs to be renewed every year. Only grandfathered systems can use groundwater for automatic irrigation. You will need to submit a chloride test of the irrigation system water to ensure that irrigation is not impairing the quality of the water for you and your neighbors. You will need to keep your system updated to use the most efficient technology. Your irrigation permit must be obtained by August 1st of each year. If you fail to get an irrigation permit for two years, you will lose your grandfathered status and will only be able to irrigate with a cistern.

NEW IRRIGATION SYSTEMSNew irrigation systems are allowed on Shelter Island ONLY if the homeowner installs a water cistern for the irrigation system to use. These large cisterns are filled with trucked in water, or water captured from a limited amount of hard surfaces on the property. That means that irrigation will not use ground water – we are saving that for you to drink and wash with!

Other Tips

You can get names of licensed irrigation contractors from the Building Department

Irrigation should occur only between 5:00pm and 9:00am

You can use drip irrigation systems if you follow certain rules

You can water by hand from your hose

You can water your vegetable garden

The Irrigation Law and related information and applications are on this website